Saddle hunting continues to be one of the fastest growing segments in the hunting industry. As its popularity soars, the amount of innovation and exploration in this space has reached an all-time high.
It’s a good time to be a mobile hunter.
This year we were able to get our hands on a bunch of new saddle gear. Take a look at what we found for saddles and platform options for the 2026 season.
Phantom XP Saddle
from Tethrd - $274
Let’s kick things off with a new saddle from our friends at Tethrd, the Phantom XP.
This latest Phantom is essentially a mashup of Tethrd’s three most popular saddles of all time. They took the expandable panel from their Ultralock saddle, along with the Lay-flat loops and Quad Lock bridge system from the Carnivore 2P, and put them into the low profile fit of their Phantom line.
The Phantom XP’s pleated panel expands to add an additional 3.5 inches of material. All that extra room is held in place by their patent-pending Lace Lock Tensioner system.
This friction-based bungee system is completely adjustable and keeps things tightened up for the walk-in, yet ready for deployment with a simple pull on the integrated thumb loops once you’re tethered in.
Tethrd has updated their bridge system with the new Micro Quad Lock Bridge. This is a scaled-down, tighter version of the Quad-lock which shortens the operating triangles, lets the bridge sit closer to your hips, and recovers roughly 3 inches of workable area on your bridge line.
The adjustment tabs allow you to loosen the system and micro-tune bridge angles to completely wipe out hip pinch.
The lay-flat bridge loops include MOLLE straps that are laser-cut and fully RAD-ready to accept their upcoming RAD 2.0 accessory systems. This will allow for easy carrying and quick deployment of any number of accessories.
The fully adjustable Freedom Belt floats freely in the panel and cinches down small enough to accommodate some youth sizes.
The Phantom XP is scheduled to release in late July for $274.
RZR MAG3 Platform
by Arsenal - $299
Next up, let’s look at a company that continues to push the envelope when it comes to mobile innovation, and that is Arsenal with their new RZR MAG3 platform.
Arsenal builds gear with an incredible amount of intent, and this third-generation platform is a direct response to their customers demanding an even larger platform over their previous generation RZR MAG.
If you are a bigger guy like me, or just someone who values extra space to move around on those long November sits, you’ll appreciate Arsenal stretching this platform to the max. They pushed the overall width out to 16 inches and a 14 inch depth from front edge to back teeth, giving loads of clearance off the tree.
The front edge incorporates a wide 3.65-inch, 15-degree taper providing excellent foot support if you prefer an aggressive leaning position.
Historically, a platform with this much real estate came with a major penalty in weight and bulk. Arsenal completely broke that trend. Despite its oversized footprint, the MAG3 weighs a mere 3.5 pounds while many competitors’ platforms in this size category are pushing 5 or even 6 pounds.
The platform is CNC-machined from high-strength 7075 aluminum, allowing them to slim down the design without sacrificing strength or stability.
Like all platforms in their RZR line, the MAG3 is incredibly slim, nesting down flush into an ultra-thin 1.5-inch profile. It shares other RZR features like the integrated belt clip, the RopeLok attachment system, and quiet DuraBraid rope for a silent, rock-solid lockup on the tree.
The RZR MAG3 comes in at $299. They are taking pre-orders now, with shipping set for late June.
Ranger Hybrid Platform
from Lone Wolf Custome Gear - $600
Lone Wolf Custom Gear has been on the forefront of mobile hunting for decades. Their new Ranger Hybrid is a premium option that completely blurs the line between a traditional hang-on and a high-end saddle platform.
Coming in at just under 6 pounds, this system caters directly to the mobile hunter who wants to run a hybrid setup but leans heavily toward the saddle side of the spectrum.
Unlike traditional compact tree stands that rely on thick steel cables to support the weight, the Ranger Hybrid eliminates cables entirely, providing a completely obstruction-free deck like most saddle platforms.
The reversible seat cushion can be used as a built-in kneepad. And when your legs are getting tired on an all-day hunt, drop it down and take a seat either facing the tree, or turn around and use it as a traditional treestand. Realistically though, with the small size of the platform and seat, you’re going to want to be spending most of your time in the saddle.
For the hike in, the seat shelf folds out and locks in place to serve as a load shelf, and the Ranger Hybrid integrates seamlessly with their climbing sticks for a silent, streamlined profile and is loaded with eight integrated accessory ports and six gear hooks.
A top-side barrel leveling mechanism giving you 5 total inches of pitch adjustment, and a six-point offset bracket, help to fit this stand to crooked or leaning trunks.
The Ranger Hybrid comes with a premium of $599.99, but is backed by a transferable lifetime warranty. They’ll be shipping starting in late June.
Lean Ascent Select Platform
by Osprey Outdoors - $379
Osprey Outdoors takes a completely different mechanical approach to mobile hunting, with the Lean Ascent Select.
This is the second generation of their climbing platform system, and it is designed for the hunter who wants to completely eliminate climbing sticks, aiders, and the sweat that goes with them.
The concept here is that you are already wearing a hunting saddle that can essentially act as the top section of a traditional climbing tree stand, with the platform serving as the bottom section.
You secure the cable system around the trunk, slip your boots into the straps, and use your saddle tether to sit-and-climb your way up the tree.
Once at hunting height, you engage a built-in stabilizer post against the tree using a hand-adjustable leveling knob. This allows you to dial in a perfectly flat standing surface regardless of how the tree leans. Wrap a heavy-duty strap around the integrated versa button, cam the platform down, and your stand is completely locked in place.
On the tree, the platform offers a generous 16 by 13.5-inch flat deck with zero gaps, giving you plenty of space to pivot. There’s a ring opposite the versa making it ready for their ring of steps accessory, if you want true 360-degree shooting versatility around the trunk.
The entire welded aluminum unit weighs right around 5 pounds without the strap and cable.
The Lean Ascent Select comes fully coated for noise dampening, features a 300-pound weight rating, and retails for $379.
Cloud Freedom Saddle
from Arsenal - $329
Arsenal is replacing their flagship Cloud Infinity Saddle with the new Cloud Freedom.
This massive saddle has a built-in backrest. While a saddle like this can provide the ultimate comfort in the tree, walking in can feel like you are wearing a bulky, sagging diaper.
Arsenal addressed this by designing the saddle to fold perfectly in half, locking into an ultra-slim profile using heavy-duty magnetic sockets. It rides high above your waistline, meaning it will not slide down or sag even when you throw a heavy backpack over it.
Once you reach the tree, you simply pull up on the magnetic sockets and the saddle unfolds into a full-support comfort panel with an integrated reclining backrest.
To manage all that extra fabric, Arsenal engineered the patent-pending X2 Dual Bridge System. This double bridge system splits your body weight 50/50 between the upper backrest and the lower seat cradle.
They’ve also simplified the adjustments, trimming it down to just two intuitive lines with their Glyde Adjustment System, which you can micro-tune while hanging under full tension.
The Cloud Freedom features integrated, low-profile four-way stretch pockets built directly into the sides to house your ropes and extra gear.
The Cloud Freedom will run you $329, and is expected to start shipping mid-July.
MK Platform (Mini-Kunai)
by Timber Ninja - $330
Following up on the success of their Kunai hybrid platform last year, Timber Ninja is shrinking things down for the ultra-mobile crowd with the introduction of the MK, or Mini-Kunai.
If you are unfamiliar with the original Kunai design, their unique approach is the complete elimination of the traditional center post. Instead of a rigid vertical beam, Timber Ninja utilizes a patent-pending Folding Stability Spike that anchors the platform to the tree from down below.
You simply set the platform past level, pull it tight with the included cam buckle strap, and cam it down to tighten the straps and engage the spike into the bark.
By getting rid of that center post, they gain an incredible amount of usable foot room on a frame that only measures 12 by 11 inches. It also allows for rock-solid stability on crooked, knotty trunks where a standard post could twist or slip.
The MK has dedicated side wings that act as built-in footrests, letting you shift your weight and relieve pressure without sacrificing the flat standing real estate you need when pivoting for a weak-side shot.
The model we got our hands on at the ATA show was a prototype with a slightly smaller strap attachment block, but the final production models dropping this summer will most likely sport their classic olive drab green finish.
When it is time to pack up and move, the MK folds completely flat at less than an inch thick and weighs a mere 2.2 pounds, yet still has a 300-pound weight rating.
The MK will retail for $329.99. They are scheduled to launch this July, and you can jump on the Timber Ninja website right now to sign up for email notifications the second they go live.
Pursuit Platform
from Buzzard Roost - $190
Here’s one of the most unique approaches to the saddle hunting this year, the Pursuit Platform and Bullman Step package from Buzzard Roost.
Instead of a traditional metal design, Buzzard Roost offers a fresh take utilizing a one-piece, injection-molded nylon, reversible wedge design. This allows you to flip the wedge, giving you two distinct footrest profiles.
The first side has a flatter angle more typical of other platforms, but flip the wedge upside down, and you get a much more aggressive angle that is perfect for hard leaning positions, while providing relief from calf fatigue.
Coming in at a mere 16 ounces, this featherweight system is built specifically for the run-and-gun bowhunter who wants to strip every possible ounce of dead weight out of their mobile setup.
The Pursuit is engineered to work as a hybrid system, running the main wedge on the same ratchet strap alongside the two included Bullman steps, extending the usable space around the tree. Additional Bullman Steps can be added to allow for 360-degree shooting versatility.
While the one-piece wedge design is inherently thicker than a standard flat aluminum platform, the full package is incredibly compact.
You can pick up the Pursuit platform, two Bullman steps, and an eight-foot strap for $189.99.
Hangtime Ladder
by Trophy Treestands - $180
Trophy Treestands Hangtime Ladder is built and marketed to assist in hanging and accessing treestands safely. However, the second I looked at the top of the ladder, my wheels started turning as a saddle hunter.
This 18-foot tall ladder system terminates at a built-in steel platform measuring 12 inches wide by 9 inches deep. While it is meant as a safe staging area to step off into a hang-on stand, it is also perfectly sized to function as a permanent saddle platform.
If you have a perennial hot spot on your own property where you want a bulletproof setup, you could leave the Hangtime Ladder strapped up all season long. When it is time to hunt, you simply walk in, climb up, hook your tether to the tree, and you are hunting.
Concerned about noise or just want more room? Hang your platform off to the side and use the ladder as extra space around the tree.
The system utilizes the Trophy Drawtight Cable System to cinch the entire ladder tight to the trunk, and features a 300-pound weight capacity.
At $179.99, it is an incredibly cost-effective way to establish a permanent saddle location without burning through a high-end set of mobile climbing sticks or an expensive lightweight aluminum platform.
Cloud Flexx Saddle
from Arsenal - $219
Finally, Arsenal adds a second new saddle design for 2026 in the Cloud Flexx.
This pleated panel system tackles the classic balance between a minimalist profile and all-day comfort. Built-in magnetic strips keep the pleat locked flat and out of the way while hiking in, but allow for easy expansion in the tree with a simple pull.
The Cloud Flexx features an optional fiberglass spreader bar system that keep the panel and linesman loops wide open to eliminate the side pinch that plagues most flexible saddles under load.
Built from a lightweight, breathable mesh material, this panel maximizes airflow, making it an excellent choice for those warm, early-season whitetail hunts when managing sweat is critical. It’s light too, coming in at just under 1 ½ pounds.
Arsenal’s micro-tune Glyde adjustment system, and the inclusion of a pair of their one-handed zipper SideVault pouches round out this saddle’s features,
The complete Cloud Flexx system retails for $219, and will start shipping mid-July.
Final Thoughts
Innovation across the mobile hunting market is moving at a breakneck pace.
Whether you are trying to go ultra-light, score some extra boot room on the tree, or completely bullet-proof your setup, there is a specialized tool engineered for your exact style of hunting this fall.
No matter what catches your eye for this fall, get your gear dialed in early, practice shooting, and stay safe out there.
Good luck this season, Bowhunt or Die baby!
